Kroger, the largest grocery chain in the U.S., has announced plans to sell CBD products in approximately 1,000 stores across seventeen states.
Other national retailers including CVS, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, and Walgreens, have already announced plans or are currently offering CBD products to customers.
“Like many retailers, we are starting to offer our customers a highly curated selection of topical products like lotions, balms, oils, and creams that are infused with hemp-derived CBD,” Kroger Communications and Media Relations Director Kristal Howard said in a statement. “CBD is a naturally occurring and non-intoxicating compound that has promising benefits and is permitted within federal and state regulations.”
The CBD products available will be hemp-derived and will contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. Since the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (known as the farm bill), was passed in December, many producers and retailers have been trying to enter, or increase production in, the CBD industry.
Veritas Farms, which is establishing itself as a trusted source for CBD products for national retailers and supplies CVS with products, will be working with Kroger as they introduce the cannabinoid into their stores.
“Kroger is a recognized retail leader, and we are excited to partner with them on this product launch,” Veritas Farms Chief Executive Officer Alexander Salgado said in a statement. “Their commitment further signals the growing importance of this significant new category for consumers and retailers.”
The 2018 Farm Bill did not open the door to CBD infused edibles and beverages. The FDA is seeking more research on the effects of CBD and hemp as a food additive and has even cracked down on some producers offering edible products. For now, Kroger will offer topicals such as lotions, balms, oils, and creams.